Complete Dental Care

The equine tooth is much different than the human tooth in that it continues to erupt throughout the life of the horse. Tooth problems (hooks, wave mouth, broken teeth) can make chewing difficult and cause weight loss. As the teeth wear, sharp points form and can cause uncomfortable ulcers in the mouth, which can adversely affect athletic performance. Because of this, annual dental examinations are needed to locate and correct problems before they start. We correct most dental problems by "floating," or filing down the sharp points of the tooth. Maintenance floats may be performed every 1-2 years as needed. If you notice your horse chewing abnormally, losing weight, dropping food, head shaking, or resisting the bit, these may be signs that your horse needs a corrective float. If dental problems are severe, your horse may require more frequent corrective floating. Performance floats enable the athletic to horse to better flex, bend, and respond to more subtle cues. Because we do a comprehensive oral exam, we can be sure that only those horses that really need floating get done.